exhibitum

Exhibitum is a term used in museum studies and digital curation to describe a hybrid form of exhibit that combines physical artefacts with digital media to create an interactive visitor experience. It emphasizes showing objects within a narrative or thematic framework rather than as standalone items. The concept is used to discuss how exhibits are designed, presented, and experienced in contemporary museums and galleries.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from Latin exhibitus, from exhibere "to exhibit," with the -t- suffix forming a noun in some scholarly usages. In English-language discussions, exhibitum is treated as a neologism or theoretical descriptor rather than a historically attested term.

Design and features: In Exhibitum approaches, artefacts are augmented with digital overlays, touchscreen guides, multimedia timelines, and augmented reality. Installations may offer non-linear navigation, enabling visitors to pursue personal interests and to compare objects across contexts. The methodology emphasizes accessibility, interpretive clarity, and visitor engagement.

Impact and reception: Proponents argue that Exhibitum supports deeper interpretation, inclusivity, and lasting engagement. Critics caution that the term remains loosely defined, and that success depends on sound content strategy, technical reliability, and careful integration of media with artefacts rather than technology for its own sake.

See also: Exhibit, Exhibition, Museum technology, Curation. Notes: There is variability in usage across institutions, and some designers prefer to label specific installations as multimedia or digital exhibitions rather than adopting Exhibitum as a generic category.